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Controversial Former Bruins First Rounder Hits Free Agency After Unexpected Contract Termination

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 6:21 PM ET

Jakub Zboril was a first-round pick of the Bruins back in 2015, but now he's a free agent again after being released by HC Dynamo Pardubice in Czechia.

Jakub Zboril was a very promising defenseman from the QMJHL when the Boston Bruins used the No. 13 overall pick on him back in 2015, but in his tenure with the team, it appears he was a major disappointment.

In 76 games played over four seasons, Zboril tallied just 16 points in that time, and despite the Bruins desperate need for defenseman throughout that time, he just didn't develop enough to be good enough at the next level.

After the 2023/24 season, he departed the NHL and North America to return to his home country of Czechia, and after a solid season with HC Dynamo Pardubice in the Czech Extraliga, he has now shockingly been released by the team.

In 30 games with the team, Zboril tallied 2 goals and 14 assists, and despite the team finishing third in the standings, the team have officially parted ways with the 28-year old, leaving his future up in the air.

Being a former first-round pick, the talent is still clearly there, and with opportunities in the KHL and all across Europe, there's a good chance that we see Zboril land a new role in hockey somewhere, but after moving around over the past few years, this isn't the news that he wanted to hear.

Ultimately, Zboril can be a very effective defenseman at a high level, but since turning professional we've not seen him string together long stretches of consistency, and now, we'll wait to see his next move as the former first-round pick looks to get his career going at a high level once more.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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